There are many myths that linger about carpet cleaning and carpets in general. Here are some of the more common ones that you might have heard about keeping your carpets clean.
1. If you vacuum too often, you’ll wear out the carpet faster.
In the past, carpets were not manufactured to be as durable as they are now. The density of the carpet fibers, as well as their length, meant that older carpets showed wear and tear a lot faster with frequent vacuuming. However, modern carpeting is specifically made to withstand frequent carpeting. Even if you vacuum every day, which many people do, your carpet can stand up to it. To care for your carpet as you vacuum, be sure to use a vacuum cleaner that is functioning properly. The brush roller should be in fully operational condition, rotating on its axis as you move the vacuum back and forth.
2. Steam cleaning carpets leads to mildew growth.
Steam cleaning carpets involve the application of hot steam – not water. If you go to the grocery store and use a rented steam cleaner on your carpets, chances are the machine won’t be in excellent working order. Not only that, but steam cleaning requires special training. If you linger too long in one spot, for example, you could saturate your carpet. With professional carpet steam cleaning, the machine itself is professional grade. The operator knows exactly how to steam clean your carpet so that it’s not saturated in the process. Finally, allowing your carpet to thoroughly dry after a steam cleaning will ensure that no mildew growth occurs.
3. Baking soda is an effective carpet cleaner.
Many homeowners sprinkle baking soda on their carpet to get the carpet clean and get rid of odors. While baking soda does absorb some kinds of things, a sprinkling of baking soda on the surface of your carpet fibers does little more than giving temporary satisfaction. Baking soda doesn’t get your carpet clean. It may temporarily mask unpleasant odors, but the odors will come back unless the source is cleaned up. The only way to truly get your carpets deep cleaned is to have them steam cleaned by a professional.
4. Store brand carpet cleaners are fine to use on carpet stains.
Modern carpets are made from a wide variety of materials. If you look at your carpet manufacturer recommendations, you’ll see that most of them don’t recommend using a store brand cleaner on the carpet. Doing so may irreversibly damage or discolor your carpet fibers, making the stain stand out even more. It’s very important to know exactly what kind of carpet is installed in your home, so you know what the carpet materials are made from. Then, when you contact a professional carpet cleaner to get rid of the carpet stains, the professional carpet cleaner will be able to treat the stain quickly and efficiently, with no damage to your carpet.
One thing that is not a myth about carpet cleaning is that it should be done on a regular basis. Going for long periods without cleaning your carpets results in a build-up of dirt, debris, and oils that can permanently damage your carpet. Contact us today to schedule your next carpet cleaning!
